Procedures for
Hemodialysis
Dedicated to Creating
and Keeping Your Lifeline Alive
The team at Vein & Vascular Experts understands how important the right access is for patients on hemodialysis. We strive to ensure that your access is working well and continues to work as long as possible. The latest technology and innovative approaches are used to develop unique, individualized solutions to, sometimes, very difficult situations.
Procedures for Hemodialysis Q & A
What is hemodialysis access?
The kidneys work to regulate fluid in your body, balance your electrolytes, and remove toxic substances from your body. When the kidneys fail, hemodialysis is a way to clean your blood using a machine. In order to do this, an access is needed that allows blood to be removed from the body which is then treated by the dialysis machine and then returned to the body. Hemodialysis access surgery is done to provide a method for patients with kidneys that no longer work.
Who is at risk?
People at risk for developing renal failure include those with long-standing, uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes. There are some medications that can also cause the kidneys to fail. Sometimes, serious illness can also result in kidneys failing.
How is renal failure diagnosed?
Renal failure is diagnosed in several different ways including clinical findings, physical exam and laboratory tests. When the kidneys are near failing, but not completely failed, you will be referred to vascular surgery to evaluate for hemodialysis access. Ultimately, your kidney doctor (nephrologist) will decide when you will need to start dialysis.
What is hemodialysis access surgery?
There are several types of hemodialysis access depending on how urgent it is needed. If your kidneys fail suddenly, you may receive a temporary catheter that is placed in your jugular (neck) vein or your femoral (groin) vein. This is typically done in a hospital setting. This catheter is only good for about 1 week. If a longer-term catheter is required, you may receive a Perm-Cath which is a catheter tunneled under the skin of your chest which then enters the jugular vein. These can stay in for a few months but are prone to infection. Ideally, if kidney failure is anticipated in the future, a fistula can be created or a graft can be placed for dialysis. These are surgical procedures that either connect an artery to a vein (fistula) or place a plastic tube under the skin of the arm that connects an artery to a vein (graft) in order to provide an access site for dialysis. The doctor will discuss with you which option is best suited for your situation.